An intensified, modular absorption carbon capture approach for dispersed small- to medium-scale industrial emitters

Join a new PhD research programme developing an innovative approach for efficient, modular absorption-based CO₂ capture for dispersed emitters. The work spans concept-to-rig development, performance testing and modelling, and assessment of technical and economic viability under carbon pricing. The project offers strong industrial engagement and a clear route to real-world impact.

Decarbonising UK industry requires carbon capture solutions that extend beyond large, cluster-connected sites. A substantial proportion of emissions arise from dispersed small- to medium-scale emitters, where conventional post-combustion capture is often constrained by limited space, challenging retrofit conditions, utilities availability, and the need for a commercially feasible business case. Among available capture routes, absorption-based capture is the most proven and widely deployed approach for dilute flue-gas streams, offering high capture efficiency and operational robustness. However, current absorption systems can be difficult to justify at smaller scales because of their footprint and energy demand. This PhD addresses that gap by developing a compact absorption component design that enables efficient, modular carbon capture.

The project will deliver a rigorous concept-to-demonstrator programme, generating the performance evidence and engineering models needed to inform a credible minimum viable product (MVP). The PhD researcher will work within Aston University’s College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, supported by a supervisory team with expertise in sorption systems, thermal-fluids, modelling, and energy systems innovation.

Research aims and activities will include:

• Identify priority dispersed-emitter sectors and define practical performance targets (capture efficiency, energy demand, footprint, operability, maintainability, and tolerance to realistic flue-gas conditions).
• Develop and justify an innovative absorption component architecture that intensifies gas–liquid contacting in a compact form factor.
• Design, build and commission a bench-scale test facility to measure absorption performance, pressure/flow characteristics, and cyclic behaviour under representative operating envelopes.
• Develop validated computational models to interpret results, quantify key transport/thermal effects, and produce transferable scale-up rules.
• Evaluate technical and economic viability under carbon pricing, identifying performance thresholds and sensitivities that govern deployability at small-to-medium scales. Where appropriate, broaden assessment to include lifecycle considerations and practical routes to pilot trials.

The project is designed for high impact through early and sustained industrial input. Collaboration will be pursued with UK absorption-capture developers to benchmark performance metrics, align test protocols with industrial needs. This will support the research in real deployment constraints and strengthen the credibility of outcomes for translation.

Overall, the PhD will produce performance evidence, validated models, and a clear engineering and economic case for a modular absorption capture route that can serve dispersed emitters, directly supporting UK net-zero ambitions and industrial competitiveness.

This project is open to Home students ONLY. It covers all tuition fees and includes a stipend at current UKRI rates. The project also includes a generous Research Training and Support Grant.

Please note that the successful candidate will be responsible for any costs relating to moving to Birmingham and/or visiting the Aston campus. 

Further information can be found here: Financial Requirements | Aston University.

This position will be based on the Aston Campus in Birmingham, UK. The successful candidate will need to be located within a reasonable distance of the campus, and will be expected to visit in person regularly.

PhD programmes are for those who are seeking to develop greater in-depth knowledge in a specific area. Completing this level of study is about making an original contribution to knowledge, making new discoveries and developing lifelong skills. 

At Aston University, our Engineering and Physical Sciences PhD programmes will provide all the support and facilities you will need to develop into a leading researcher in your chosen field.  You will be welcomed into a supportive community with a shared enthusiasm for original research, where diversity and multidisciplinary is championed.

Candidates should have been awarded, or expect to achieve, EITHER:

a] a First or Upper Second Class award in their undergraduate degree, in a relevant subject.

OR

b] a First or Upper Second Class award in their undergraduate degree, and a Merit or Distinction in a Masters degree, both in a relevant subject.

Qualifications from overseas institutions will be considered, but performance must be equivalent to that described above, and the University reserves the right to ascertain this equivalence according to its own criteria.

Desirable / Essential Skills or Experience 

The applicant should demonstrate solid fundamentals in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat and mass transfer, with the ability to translate theory into practical engineering decisions. Experience in experimental work is essential, including safe laboratory practice, instrumentation/sensors, data acquisition, and rigorous data analysis (e.g., uncertainty, repeatability). The candidate should be comfortable with numerical methods and programming for analysis (e.g., MATLAB, Python) and be able to communicate technical results clearly in writing and presentations. Strong organisational skills and independence are important, alongside the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and with industrial stakeholders.

Desirable experience includes gas–liquid contacting and absorption/sorption systems. Familiarity with CFD modelling, and experience designing, building, or commissioning test rigs would be advantageous. Exposure to techno-economic assessment and life cycle thinking. 

We can only consider applications that are complete and have all supporting documents. Applications that do not provide all the relevant documents will be automatically rejected.

Your application must include: 

1. English language copies of the transcripts and certificates for all your higher education degrees, including any Bachelor degrees.
2. A Research Statement detailing your understanding of the research area, how you would approach the project, and a brief review of relevant literature. Be sure to use the title of the research project you are applying for. There is no set format or word count. 
3. A personal statement which outlines any further information which you think is relevant to your application, such as your personal suitability for research, career aspirations, possible future research interests, and further description of relevant employment experience. 
4. A Curriculum Vitae (Resume) which details your education and work history. 
5. Two academic referees who can discuss your suitability for independent research. References must be on headed paper, signed and dated no more than 2 years old. At least one reference should be from your most recent University. You can submit your references at a later date if necessary. 
6. Evidence that you meet the English Language requirements. If you do not currently meet the language requirements, you can submit this at a later stage. 
7. A copy of your passport. Where relevant, include evidence of settled or pre-settled status.

Studying a PhD is great route into academia and industries that are centred on research and innovation. Areas with a demand for very high level and specialised research skills often demand PhDs.

In addition to this specialist knowledge, PhD education will help you to develop a set of valuable transferrable skills. The very nature of studying an intensive research degree will enable you to become a team player, develop problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and advanced presentation and communication skills.

The variety of PhD project topics at Aston means that the destinations of our graduates vary substantially. Some choose to continue into academia, at either Aston or other leading institutions, while others go onto use their newly acquired skills in a range of research, healthcare, industry or charitable fields. When selecting your chosen PhD path at Aston, your supervisor will be able to provide you with relevant career opportunities that could be available to you in your specialist area.